A cornucopia of fun

Saturday, August 14, 2010

LINDA KOEHLER/TIMES NEWS Jaxson DeRossett, 1 1/2, gives his giant frog a kiss. His mother, Karen DeRossett of Pennington, NJ isn't quite sure what his kiss will turn the frog into but she does know that the Carbon County Fair is "Fantastic!" and they're both enjoying it. They are visiting friends who brought them to the fair and Jason Green of Kunkletown won the frog for Jaxson.

Carbon fair features something for everyone

A few dark clouds didn't stop die-hard fairgoers from lining up to visit and fortunately not a drop of rain was in sight for the 11th Carbon County Fair on Friday night.

Those who turned out found a cornucopia of fun, with something for everyone.

Some came to hear Ryan Pelton, billed as the world's greatest Elvis impersonator, sing the King's biggest hits.

Some came to eat roasted corn on the cob, pork barbecue sandwiches and waffles and ice cream.

Abby Huber of Palmerton loved the deep fried eggplant.

"Awesome!" she said.

Some played games of chance, like Jason Green. He won a giant green frog for Jaxson DeRossett, 1 1/2 years old, by throwing ping pong balls in a bowl.

Little Sarah Duckett, 5 of Trumbauersville, was in awe of a giant pumpkin, entered by Chris Neff.

This year's fair royalty, Carbon County Fair Queen 2010, Krisandra Livingston, her twin sister and first runner-up, Diana Livingston and second runner up, Tiffany Erney, stopped and chatted with folks along the midway, posed for pictures, answered questions and handed out pens and candy.

"It's an honor to be this year's Carbon County Fair Queen. It's a great place for the community to get together. We'll be going to other events throughout the year to promote the fair. I'm looking forward to it," said Krisandra.

Her sister, Diana, added that the fair is all about great food, great entertainment and great fun.

Another member of royalty, the 2010 Potter-Tioga County Maple Sweetheart, Rea Ianson, handed out pieces of maple candy. Rea is the granddaughter of Julie Donner and the late Willard Donner of Lehighton.

"It's great to be here to promote the maple sugar industry," she said.

Dapper Dan, his young assistant, Alex Kibler, 7 and Pork Chop, a stuffed pig on wheels, brought smiles and giggles from young and old as they "clowned" around with the public.

Whether visiting the craft tent, vegetable and fruit entries, organization displays, the livestock and all the various vendors, it's the bright lights of the rides that drew the young people.

But even over the sounds of the crowd and music, around 6:30 p.m., a distinct sound of "putt putt putt putt putt putt" was heard, heralding the start of the Antique Field Stock Tractor Pull.

Pocono Old Tyme Farm Equipment Association Inc. provided the pull sled and area farmers and collectors of farm tractors, weighed in, ready to see who could pull the heaviest weight the longest distance.

Some of the tractors were shiny and new-looking while others appeared as if they came right from the fields.

"A tool by day, a toy by night," said Kevin Kuehner of Kunkletown, who brought seven John Deeres for the event.

Today's fair lineup includes the Cramer Brothers at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Wilson Fairchild, a country recording star, with local favorite Donna Parsons, at 8:30 p.m.

The fair wraps up Sunday with Santana Winds, a Blue Grass band at 4 p.m.; Uptown, a show band at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Eva, an 11-year-old singing sensation at 8 p.m. and the popular Demolition Derby at 5 p.m.